A new study by Farrelly Mitchell Business Consultants Ltd, commissioned by COLEAD, warns that Ghanaโs agri-food exporters could face big challenges meeting the European Unionโs new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and updated Bisphenol A (BPA) rules both taking effect from July 20, 2026.
These new EU rules will set tougher standards for packaging safety, recyclability, and sustainability. Without compliance, Ghanaian exporters risk losing access to one of their key markets.The study found that:
โข Awareness and readiness among Ghanaโs exporters and regulators are still low.
โข Ghana currently lacks enough lab capacity for BPA testing.
โข The countryโs Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system is not yet fully in place.
But thereโs good news; many local firms are eager to comply if given the right technical and financial support.
With the right steps, Ghana can turn this challenge into an opportunity to modernize packaging, boost export competitiveness, and protect farmersโ livelihoods.
ย The study calls for Ghana to:
Align packaging standards with EU rules Build stronger testing and traceability systems Finalize and implement the EPR framework Support SMEs to use eco-friendly packaging This is a crucial moment for Ghanaโs agribusiness sector and a chance to lead in sustainable, competitive agri-food exports.By: Henry Cofei Fordi